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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the news the District Commissioner shares with the Jonsdottir girls in Chapter 1?

2. Who welcomes Reverend Toti to the church in Chapter 4?

3. Who does Agnes' mother take with her after she leaves Agnes behind as a young girl?

4. Where was Agnes born?

5. Who is obliged to help prepare Agnes Magnusdottir for her meeting with the Lord? (Chapter 1)

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Blondal feel about asking the Assistant Reverend Thorvardur Jonsson to meet with Agnes?

2. How does the Supreme Court Trials describe the crime?

3. Why is Agnes nothing like Margret imagined?

4. What does Margret think about the morning after Agnes' arrival?

5. Why does Agnes not know what to say to Reverend Toti?

6. What happens in Agnes' dream? What's one possible translation? (113).

7. Why does Margret point out the ravens in the sky to Reverend Toti?

8. Where do we clearly see the difference of opinion toward Agnes between the Jonsdottir girls?

9. Agnes thinks, "Here, man. Here is your smile. Is it a good one? Do you see my lips crack? Do you see my teeth" (39)? Why would she say this to an officer?

10. How does Blondal approach the unfortunate situation of a murderer staying with the Jonsdottir family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author, Hannah Kent, calls her novel a "dark love letter to Iceland." How does this quote speak to the narrative? While reading, did you believe that this quote spoke to the true nature of the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Ravens are frequently being referenced and appear during certain situations. What do the ravens represent and why does the author place them during certain scenes? Cite at least four examples and explain how they prove your representation.

Essay Topic 3

How does Reverend Toti's father react to him being a spiritual advisor? Even if he does not specifically reference his son's choice, there are many instances where it is quite obvious that he has a formidable opinion. Do you agree/disagree with his judgment? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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